Hello! First Q. What's eaten my Anemone de Caen ?

Am in Mid East Scotland, and recently planted a ( pink) DIY- store Anemone de Caen ( I think) only to find after about a week that one night something had neatly snipped the larger flower stalks, and leaves away completely. Only the thickest parts of stalks remained, almost neatly piled to the side!

My 4YO son completely denies culpability, and I believe him. The cuts looked so neat I was about to quiz next-door's son of similar age!

My mum mentioned wood pigeons eating things other creatures would fine unpalatable, but I've seen little other pigeon damage yet this year and the other anemone planted at same time (blue) 15 feet away is untouched.

Ah, if I knew what had eaten my plants, I could make a list as long as my arm.

I would hazard a guess that it was indeed a slug. They are very partial to anemones. At least they are in my garden. Pigeons can be quite indiscriminate in what they peck at, as can blackbirds, pheasants and even magpies.

If several stalks on one plant have been cut off I think it is most probably a slug. Or a snail.

I have a sneaky feeling it might be voles.....or similar. Mice? Perhaps going for the moisture in the stems.

I had a few tulips like that. Looked as if someone had called overnight with a pair of secateurs. I had a spate of such happening a few years ago and caught several small mice. However, I decided to live and let live.

Explore some of Ireland's most breathtaking gardens on an exclusive four-night tour. Special guest Monty Don will join you for a garden tour and give an entertaining evening talk on his gardening life. Flights, four-star hotel, breakfast and four additional meals included in price.